Tonight's episode of WWE SmackDown (January 17, 2025) emanates out of the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.
On tap for tonight's episode is the return of Solo Sikoa, who hasn't been seen since he lost the Tribal Combat match to Roman Reigns on the Raw on Netflix premiere. Last week, Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga continued to go on a rampage, and it's unknown if that was from his orders or if they were acting on their own accord.
Tiffany Stratton puts the WWE Women's Championship on the line against Bayley, who had earned the title opportunity by defeating Nia Jax, Naomi and Bianca Belair in a No. 1 Contender's Fatal 4-Way Match. Bayley most recently appeared in the closing segment of NXT to try to give some advice to Roxanne Perez, only to start a brawl. Could we see Perez come out to interfere and screw over her former mentor, or will Bayley possibly walk out with the championship?
The Motor City Machine Guns are looking to reposition themselves as the next challengers for the WWE Tag Team Championship and will face Angel and Berto of Legado del Fantasma in what appears to be a No. 1 Contenders' match to determine who gets the next shot at #DIY's Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa.
Last up for the advertisements, the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair and Naomi will be in action against Nia Jax and Candice LeRae. WWE has not advertised this as a title match, particularly as Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson are supposed to be the next in line as challengers after defeating The Unholy Union's Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn on this week of NXT to earn a future match for those belts.
This page will be updated frequently throughout the night with all the match winners, synopses of the promo segments, and anything else noteworthy or interesting that transpires throughout the show. Keep refreshing for the most up-to-date information!
WWE SmackDown Results:
- Rey Mysterio opened the show with a promo, declaring himself for entry in the Royal Rumble match. Kevin Owens interrupted, saying he was rooting for Rey, as he's always wanted to face him one-on-one and would love to do that as WrestleMania, since he considers himself the rightful WWE champion. Mysterio reminded Owens that he actually isn't, Cody Rhodes is, and this prompted a fight that led to a match being made for later.
- Backstage, after Mysterio requested that match while talking to SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, Cody Rhodes was given an updated contract by Aldis with an addendum for his upcoming ladder match against Owens at Royal Rumble. Rhodes said he'd sign it after Owens did.
- WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair and Naomi vs Nia Jax and Candice LeRae
- Bayley was interviewed about her title match to come later tonight.
- Michin and B-Fab were talking in the locker room about how Michin had the Women's United States Championship won and will earn another shot. Piper Niven came in, acting like a bodyguard, ushering in the champion Chelsea Green, who wanted to get praise, only for B-Fab to say she would talk to Aldis about getting a match with Niven and then go after Green.
- Jimmy Uso defeated Carmelo Hayes by disqualification after he was attacked by Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga. Solo Sikoa came out, only to say nothing and leave. Jacob Fatu then cut a promo about how he's tired of the disrespect he gets and he's just getting started. LA Knight came out to fight with them, backed up by Braun Strowman.
- WWE Tag Team Championship No. 1 Contenders' Match: Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) defeated Los Garza (Angel and Berto) by pinfall.
- Piper Niven defeated B-Fab by pinfall. After the match, Michin went after Niven with a kendo stick to send her and Chelsea Green retreating.
- Kevin Owens defeated Rey Mysterio by pinfall. Owens was about to give a piledriver to Mysterio when Cody Rhodes came out to make the save.
- Nick Aldis told Cody Rhodes that he and Kevin Owens are going to have to relinquish their title belts ahead of the Royal Rumble and there will be a contract signing with Shawn Michaels moderating at Saturday Night's Main Event.
- #DIY were upset with Pretty Deadly for their involvement in the MCMG match. Apollo Crews came over to gloat about the situation and was attacked by Johnny Gargano, telling him to keep their names out of his mouth.
- TBD - Singles Match for the WWE Women's Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs Bayley
What did you think of this episode? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!